Ah Freedom A poem/prayer for Independence Day

Ah Freedom

(a poem/prayer for Independence Day)

The land of the free-

words from a song

and even as they echo

in the air

one wonders who is

free

Blood stained beaches

are haunting reminders

that freedom is more than

words in creeds

or mottoes on

walls

Our land of the free has

a complex past

still sometimes chained

to a dark memory

where slaves sang

sad songs

But every family has to

learn from its past

O God of all, help us

turn toward the

light that you love

to offer

Ah freedom…it should be

for all who breathe

Tis a gift not to be

of slight but cherished

and held

with reverence

My freedom is linked to

yours indeed

for above our waving flag

there waits a Creator

who longs for all

to be able to whisper,

“Ah, freedom…”

Jody Seymour 2018